Women and Men Equally Likely to Have ADHD, but
75% of U.S. Adults Don't Know That Women Are Less Likely Than Men
to Be Diagnosed
Understood.org to Launch Women's Initiative to
Address Lifelong Stigmas
NEW
YORK, June 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Understood.org, a leading nonprofit empowering more than 70 million
neurodivergent people who have learning and thinking differences,
such as ADHD and dyslexia, today announced the results of a Harris
Poll of over 2,000 adults ages 18+, finding that nearly half (50%)
of adults believe that the negative stigma surrounding
neurodiversity is stronger than ever. The survey also found that
most U.S. adults (56%) agree women with ADHD are perceived
differently than men with ADHD, including three in four women with
ADHD (75%) who feel this way. Against this backdrop, Understood.org
today is announcing a women's initiative aimed at raising awareness
and challenging the stigma around neurodiversity (particularly ADHD
and dyslexia) for adult women.
"Women with ADHD are far more likely to be undiagnosed,
misdiagnosed, and misunderstood compared to men," said Laura Key, vice president of content strategy
and co-leader of the women's initiative at Understood.org. "The
launch of our women's initiative is a significant step forward
toward leveling the playing field."
The new survey found that most U.S. adults (58%) know that women
are just as likely to have ADHD as men, yet many have
misconceptions about ADHD in women. Notably, 75% of U.S. adults
don't know that women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with
ADHD, and 72% did not know that women with ADHD are more likely
than men to be misdiagnosed. The survey also revealed 87% of people
were unaware of bias against women in ADHD testing tools.
According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, 33
million women and girls in the U.S. have learning and thinking
differences. The new survey revealed over half of adults (53%) with
ADHD prefer to keep their diagnoses to themselves, with 66% of
young women (ages 18–34) preferring to stay silent compared to 42%
of young men*, signaling an inherent societal bias. At the same
time, however, nearly two-thirds (63%) of adults with a learning or
thinking difference wish they had been diagnosed earlier in life,
with moms of children under 18 saying this more than dads (70% vs.
53%).
"Today, too many women mask and do not seek support for their
learning and thinking differences. We must break the cycle of
stigma and inequities that women face every day," added Key.
To learn more about women and ADHD, please visit
u.org/adhdwomen. Also, tune in to our new podcast channel,
MissUnderstood: ADHD in Women, at
https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/missunderstood.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted
online within the United States by
The Harris Poll on behalf of Understood.org from May
7–9, 2024, among 2,100 U.S. adults ages 18+. The
sampling precision of Harris
online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible
interval. For this study, the full sample data is accurate to
within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.
*Results for young (18–34) women and men diagnosed with ADHD
are based on small sample sizes (n<75) and should be
interpreted with caution/as directional only.
About Understood
Understood is a nonprofit
focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of
the challenges, skills, and strengths of people who learn and think
differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain
confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive.
Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full
potential. Understood is a 501(c)(3) organization
headquartered in New York. For
more information, to donate, or to partner, visit
u.org/media and follow us
@UnderstoodOrg.
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